The Law Society of Alberta is a self-governing regulator of all practising lawyers in Alberta, and has been regulating lawyers since 1907. The Law Society of Alberta derives its authority from the Legal Profession Act of Alberta, and is financed and maintained by Alberta lawyers at no cost to the public. Serving in the public interest, the Law Society of Alberta sets out standards through its Rules and Code of Conduct.

Legal Profession Act

The Legal Profession Act (the Act) is provincial legislation enacted to establish the Law Society of Alberta as the organization responsible for regulating over 9,000 active (practising and non-practising) lawyers in Alberta. In accordance with the Act, the Law Society follows its mandate to serve the public’s interest by governing the professional conduct of its members, overseeing the admission of newly-trained lawyers and preventing the unauthorized practice of law. Similar legislation is in effect in all other Canadian provinces and territories.

Code of Conduct

As a self-governing profession, Alberta’s lawyers are expected to conduct themselves and their law practices in ways which are highly ethical and above reproach. The Code of Conduct defines the principles and high standards that are applied to every lawyer in Alberta.

If you have any questions please contact the Practice Advisors.

Rules of the Law Society of Alberta

The Rules set forth the specific regulations, responsibilities and professional standards all lawyers are required to meet and uphold. Various sections of the Rules address the following key areas:

• Law Society organization and administration
• Membership in the legal profession, educational requirements for admission to the Alberta Bar, and ongoing professional development
• Professional conduct and disciplinary procedures
• Duties of lawyers and their law firms
• Assurance Fund (created to protect the public)
• Liability claims against lawyers who are members of the Law Society

Policy Statement

The policy statement speaks to the retroactivity and prospectively of amendments and provides for a standard implementation date for all Bencher approved amendments of the date of the approval, unless otherwise clearly addressed by the Benchers. For internal policies, the amended document must show a clear implementation date. Any retroactive application must be approved by the Executive Director or Deputy Executive Director and justification for a retroactive application must be provided. View the Policy Statement.

Historic Versions

To access historic versions of the Legal Profession Act, please contact the Alberta King’s Printer or visit Canlii.

To request a copy of a historic version of the Code of Conduct or Rules of the Law Society of Alberta, please contact Information Management team.